Real need to progress - Ramos

Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos believes Tuesday's Champions League clash with Liverpool provides an ideal opportunity for the Spanish giants to restore their "prestige" on the global stage.

PUBLISHED: PUBLISHED: 08:46, Tue, Mar 10, 2009

Juande Ramos

The former Spurs boss, who is in charge at the Bernabeu on a short-term contract until the end of the season, will attempt to help his team overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their last-16 tie with the Reds at Anfield.

The nine-times winners have not even made it to the final of the competition since 2002, and Ramos insisted progression to the latter stages is crucial, saying; "This game requires a fine performance, and if we do turn this result around it will restore some of the club's prestige in this tournament."

He added: "I hope that we can achieve such a result and take the club closer to another final.

"The first leg was a real tactical battle, but we are only halfway through, we are confident we can turn things around and reverse 0-1 deficit. My players are convinced they can do this, we must work, though, as hard as we can."

Ramos believes Madrid's impressive recent domestic run, and their fine away form in La Liga, will help them at Anfield.

He said: "Victories breed confidence. The great run of unbeaten away games does give us confidence for this match.

"This is a delightful, delicious game, and it is sad that one great side will be left by the wayside."

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